Death by Chocolate Cake:
Ingredients
1. Cake:
1. 2 1/4 cups (285g) all-purpose flour
2. 1 1/2 cups (185g) granulated sugar
3. 2 teaspoons baking powder
4. 1 teaspoon salt
5. 1 cup (235ml) whole milk, at room temperature
6. 2 large eggs, at room temperature
7. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
8. 1/2 cup (115g) unsweetened cocoa powder
2. Chocolate Frosting:
1. 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
2. 2 cups (400g) confectioners' sugar
3. 1/2 cup (120g) unsweetened cocoa powder
4. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5. 4 ounces (115g) high-quality dark chocolate, melted
3. Optional:
1. Chocolate shavings or chocolate chips for garnish
2. Whipped cream or ice cream for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat: Oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Prepare cake: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs and vanilla extract. Combine dry and wet ingredients; stir in cocoa powder.
3. Divide batter: Evenly distribute between prepared pans.
4. Bake: 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Cool: 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to wire racks.
6. Prepare frosting: Beat butter, confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Stir in melted chocolate.
7. Assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread frosting. Top with second cake layer.
8. Frost: Entire cake with remaining frosting.
9. Garnish: With chocolate shavings or whipped cream (optional).